I thought some researchers might be interested in another avenue of research. Inquests were held to examine circumstances of any sudden or unnatural deaths which included accidents, suicide and acts of violence. Often "inquests" are noted on the death certificate, otherwise the yearly Indexes of Coroners Inquests can be consulted at State Records. There is an informative leaflet which explains all at www.records.nsw.gov.au/publications/aibs/aib04-inquests.htm The other excellent site to find additional information is the Decisions of the Superior Courts of New South Wales, 1788-1899 at www.law.mq.edu.au/scnsw/ The "Sydney Gazette" and "Sydney Morning Herald" newspapers often recorded details of inquests. The following is an account of the death of Fanny Pentony in 1822.In this instance the account provides a very vivid picture of an often rough and primitive community. "An Inquest into the death of Fanny Pentony took place on the 7th May 1822 at the Black Horse Inn at Richmond. The Inquest stated : ELIZABETH TALEBY presumably a servant or Barmaid, gave evidence first and told how FANNY (now deceased) had arrived at the inn about two hours before sunset, had come through the Public tap-room into the kitchen (which was at the back of the house) and "begged" that she (TALEBY) would not acquaint MRS RANDALL (the Licensee) of her being there. FANNY had a man named THOMAS with her who ordered a gill of brandy. The couple were apparently still there when (TALEBY) left at 8 o'clock. THOMAS SKINNER gave his account recalling that they had been drinking spirits, both brandy and gin and then he laid down drunk in the tap-room and the deceased lay upon him with her head upon his thighs and in that position she was found dead. RANDALL at closing time told servant EGLETON that he supposed that they would soon go home and asked him to see FANNY safe. Two hours later EGLETON found BLACK JOH (Joseph Ryan) crouched over the couple, and when surprised JOH dropped a quantity of coins onto the floor, which had probably been taken from the couple. BLACK JOH, a dark skinned Canadian, gave evidence that he had slept in the tap-room and had tried to have intercourse with the woman but THOMAS stirred. On his second attempt he told EGLETON She won't do, she is cold, she is dead. EGLETON alarmed the house and DR SEYMOUR (husband of Margaret Randall) got up and said she was defunct. DR SEYMOUR considered that her death was from apoplexy brought on in all probability by intoxication. FANNY was known for her habit of occasionally drinking spirits to excess". This reference is from "Hawkesbury's Black Horse Inn" by Ken Moon. _________________________________________________________________ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com